The American Black Movie Pageant (ABFF), the premier annual occasion devoted to empowering rising expertise and showcasing movie and tv content material by and about folks of African descent, at the moment introduced dates and a name for submissions for its milestone thirtieth anniversary version. The pageant will return to Miami Seashore, Could 27–31, 2026, below the celebratory theme “The Homecoming.”
Based in 1997 by Jeff Friday, ABFF was conceived to strengthen the unbiased movie neighborhood by useful resource sharing, schooling, and collaboration. From its trailblazing beginnings, ABFF has developed into Hollywood’s main expertise discovery platform for folks of African descent. At the moment, it attracts a world neighborhood of creators, executives, and lovers. Every June, greater than 7,000 attendees collect in Miami Seashore for 5 days of movie screenings, panels, grasp lessons, networking, and life-style experiences. Submissions are actually open, inviting filmmakers to enter their work for consideration within the landmark thirtieth anniversary version at www.abff.com/miami/submissions.
Including to the importance of this yr’s milestone, the 2026 pageant will introduce a singular curatorial method: a portion of the lineup might be formed by ABFF alumni and longtime supporters. These artists, lots of whom launched their careers on the ABFF stage, will assist design and current programming that ensures the “The Homecoming” theme resonates deeply with the neighborhood that has outlined the pageant’s influence over three a long time.
“ABFF has at all times been about discovery, celebration, and connection,” stated Jeff Friday, Founding father of ABFF and CEO of NICE CROWD. “For 30 years, we’ve constructed a platform the place numerous expertise might be seen, heard, and supported. The Homecoming is about honoring the alumni who helped form our legacy and galvanizing the following era of storytellers to create work that can outline the long run.”
“As we rejoice this unimaginable milestone, we’re reminded of the ability of neighborhood and the significance of constant to amplify new voices,” stated Nicole Friday, President of NICE CROWD. “ABFF has grow to be greater than a pageant — it’s a cultural house. We are able to’t wait to welcome our alumni, audiences, and business companions again to Miami for what might be our most significant celebration but.”
With expertise discovery at its core, ABFF has showcased the expertise and early work of filmmakers and artists reminiscent of Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Kevin Hart, Will Packer, F. Gary Grey, Ben Watkins, Steven Caple Jr., Omari Hardwick, Datari Tuner and Reinaldo Marcus Inexperienced. The pageant has additionally attracted ambassadors together with Idris Elba, Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Anthony Mackie, Regina Corridor, Tracee Ellis Ross, Morris Chestnut, Nia Lengthy and Larenz Tate whereas internet hosting keynote conversations with Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Kenya Barris, Mara Brock Akil, Malcolm Lee, Gina Prince-Bythewood and lots of extra.
Movie submissions are actually open for the thirtieth annual ABFF within the following classes by February 10.
- Narrative Options – A aggressive part of feature-length movies directed by, or written and produced by, individuals of African descent. Chosen movies compete for Jury Awards together with Finest Narrative Function and Finest Director. First-time administrators of African descent are additionally eligible for the John Singleton Award for Finest Debut Function.
- Documentary Options – A aggressive part of non-fiction feature-length movies directed by or about individuals of African descent. Chosen movies compete for the Jury Award for Finest Documentary Function.
- Collection – A aggressive part of short-form sequence directed by, or written and produced by, individuals of African descent. Chosen works compete for the Jury Award for Finest Collection.
- Voices of Tradition – A non-competitive showcase of brief movies directed by individuals of African descent. Offered by invitation solely, this part highlights excellent works that replicate the breadth of the worldwide Black expertise. Movies submitted for however not chosen as finalists within the HBO® Brief Movie Award competitors are mechanically thought of for inclusion.
- African Tales – A non-competitive showcase of brief movies from Africa’s most dynamic new voices. Curated to focus on the continent’s wealthy cultural views and storytelling traditions, this system presents a singular window into the creativity driving Africa’s numerous and rising movie communities. Notice: Submitting to this showcase doesn’t stop filmmakers from making use of to different classes.
- AI and XR Storytelling Showcase – A non-competitive showcase of modern works created by synthetic intelligence and immersive applied sciences. Curated in partnership with GRX Immersive Labs, this system explores the way forward for storytelling by that includes daring new voices on the intersection of creativity and know-how.
For additional info on tips on how to register or submit your movie, please go to www.abff.com.
ABFF sponsors and companions thus far embrace Better Miami Conference & Guests Bureau (GMCVB) (Host), Ally Monetary (Presenting), American Airways, Metropolis of Miami Seashore (Main), Netflix (Supporting), and Selection (Media).
Extra particulars and programming bulletins might be launched within the coming weeks. For updates, go to www.nicecrowd.com and comply with @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Fb.